Azaya, whose real name is Mamady Kamissoko, is a Guinean composer-songwriter, arranger and singer born in 1989 in Kankan. He grew up in a family of traditional musicians, learning Mandingue rhythms very early before joining various major bands in the urban Guinea scene. True touch-to-all, he quickly becomes an indispensable figure by combining with genius ancestral sounds and modernity.
His debut album "Gnèssouma" in 2015 made him a global superstar, crowned with numerous awards. Nominated the "Messiah of Guinean music", Azaya stands as an unparalleled ambassador of his country's rich musical heritage, perpetuating traditions while boldly reinventing them on hits such as "Tu rends me crazy" with Yemi Alade. A unique and visionary voice that will continue to inspire future generations.
Introduction
Azaya, whose real name is Mamady Kamissoko, is a Guinean songwriter, composer, arranger, and singer born October 10, 1989 in Kankan. A true ambassador of the traditional music of his country, this touch-to-all has conquered the hearts of melomans thanks to its unique style skillfully combining centuries-old rhythms and modern sounds. From her humble beginnings with the Balakala Sharks to her status as a musical icon, Azaya's ascension forced admiration. Return to the extraordinary journey of this talented artist as immense as his aura.
Childhood and Education
Son of Mamadi and Ate Kourouma, Azaya grew up surrounded by a true dynasty of musicians. It was with his grandparents Balakala and Makoura, custodial figures of the Balakala Sharks, that he made his first weapons between 2000 and 2005. Very soon, the young Mamady turns out to be an assiduous pupil, with a fine ear and an innate sense of rhythm.
Anxious to offer their grandson a solid foundation, his grandparents instill in him from an early age the cardinal values of work, perseverance and humility. Precepts that the grass artist will strive to apply throughout his career, both in his personal and professional life.
After successful primary and secondary studies at Kankan, Azaya obtained his bachelor's degree in 2006 before joining Lansana Conté General University in Sonfonia. A university course choice that seems surprising to a musician, but which testifies to the musician’s enlightened vision: to give himself all the means to succeed by combining academic baggage and artistic achievement. Successful bet since Azaya graduated in private law in 2010.
Career Beginnings
The beginnings of a rich and varied musical career began as a teenager for Azaya. Recognised for his early talent, he played as a bassist for Yahoumba Sékou, Saydou Sow and Sekouba Kandia Kouyaté in the 2000s. A decisive first professional experience that allows him to deepen his technical knowledge while rubbing himself into the realities of the scene.
The year 2008 marked a turning point with his first American tour alongside the late Sékouba Kandia Kouyaté. An initiative journey during which young Azaya recorded in Philadelphia his first single entitled "Forgive me". A resounding success that anchors her determination to devote herself fully to singing.
Eager to learn, he joined the circle of the legendary guitarist and arranger Manfila Kanté from 2009 to 2010. A mentor of choice who conveys the keys to perfect musical mastery. Graduated, Azaya is fully immersed in the vibrant urban scene of Guinea by accompanying the projects of Seyland Koutchy and the late Abraham Sonty Koundouwaka as bassist, chorist and conductor.
Musical Career and Success
December 1, 2012 marked a new turning point with the release of his maxi single "My Love", full of 14 songs. A scenic performance that deserves the praise of the critics and dedicates his immense talent. Following his first solo success, Azaya founded his own collective "Musique Sans Frontières" in 2013.
It was in 2015 that he became truly popular with the release of the album "Gnèssouma" under the label Benedi Records. An unbeatable disc where harmoniously blend Mandingue roots, urban colors and world sounds. A musical UFO that subjugates the amateurs and earns its creator the nickname of "Messie of Guinean music".
Carried by hits such as "Gnèssouma" or "Tu me rends dingue" in feat with Nigerian Yemi Alade, the album sold millions of copies and became one of the biggest commercial hits in the history of Guinean music. National and international awards are therefore accumulating for this visionary artist who revolutionizes the codes of African world music.
In 2023, Azaya resumed his success by releasing the EP "Gentleman" where he made a successful shift towards more urban and electronic sound, without renouncing his African-Mandingue roots. With the featurings of Sidiki Diabaté and Mix Premier, the opus is one of the musical events of the year.
Discography
Albums
- 2015 : Gnènèssouma
- 2023 : EP Gentleman
Singles & Featurings
- 2008 : Pardonne-moi
- 2012 : My Love (Maxi Single)
- Azaya feat. Eddy Kenzo
- Azaya feat. Timaya sur "Coco"
- Azaya feat. Yemi Alade sur "Tu me rends dingue"
- 2023 : Azaya feat. Mix Premier (EP Gentleman)
- 2023 : Azaya feat. Sidiki Diabaté (EP Gentleman)
National and International Tours
From the early years of his career, Azaya has travelled the roads of Guinea and Africa to promote his music in the most renowned festivals and halls on the continent. A growing notoriety that allows him to multiply the dates internationally from 2015.
In Europe in particular, it occurs in about twenty countries including France (Paris, Toulouse), Belgium (Brussels, Liège), Germany (Dortmund) and the Netherlands. Warmly welcomed concerts that cement his status as a West African superstar.
In Bamako, his notable performance at the Bamaart festival in 2020 remains a strong date. In the same year, the Ouezzin Coulibaly stadium in the Malian capital was filled to attend the co-headlined show with his wife Djelikaba Bintou.
The crowds also rushed to Monrovia in May 2021 to see the explosive pair happen in Liberia. A triumphant tour of the continent that sustainably confirms Azaya's international aura.
Awards and Recognition
Recognition of Azaya's talent has often taken the form of prestigious awards and nominations over the years, including:
- Nomination for the RFI Discovery Award in 2018
- Best Artist and Best Tube at the J Awards in 2
- Best Artist of the Year at the Guinea Music Awards (5th edition)
- The clip of "Genessouma" becomes the most viewed Guinean clip on YouTube in 2015
- No. 1 in the ranking of the best hits of the year 2015 on Radio Espace FM
- Best Hit of the Year on Radio City FM
- Best Artist of the Year by audience vote on Radio Evasion FM
- Three times Number 1 of the Top 10 Best Guinean Songs by Guinéenews
- In 2021: Best Song of the Year with "Allah Lekabon" at the VDMG (Video Music Guinea)
- In 2021: Best Video Clip with "allah lekabon" on the VMDG
- In 2021.: Best Male Artist of the year at the vDMG
- In 2021: best Video clip with "Bb Là" featuring with Djelikaba Bintou at the DDMG
Private life
Marriage
Azaya's union with talented singer Djelikaba Bintou Kouyaté has made a lot of ink flow in 2019. Following a traditionally celebrated engagement during the month of Ramadan in Fria, the couple decided to organize a paid civil wedding in Conakry on October 19th. An announcement that immediately sparked controversy on social networks, until the music authorities threatened to ban the event.
In the end, Azaya calmed the game by stating that access would not necessarily be paid but that a symbolic contribution would be requested from the guests to cover the costs. A royal marriage under the sign of controversy therefore, but that did not begin the happiness of the two turterels.
Controversies
Like many global stars, Azaya has been the target of rumors and controversy throughout his career. In the past, he has been accused of some ostentatious bling-bling with exorbitant expenditure on luxury cars and sparkling jewellery.
More recently, his departure from the label Keyzit in 2022 caused a lot of ink to flow after alleged disagreements with his former record label Benedi Records. However, episodes are quite anecdotal in view of the immense career of the "Messie" who continues to write his legend on the biggest scenes in the world.
Conclusion
The journey of Azaya is a wonderful illustration of the federative power of music, capable of transcending borders and cultures. From his initial formation within the mythical group The Shark of Balakala to his worldwide popular dedication, the artist has been able to perpetuate the centuries-old traditions of Guinea while reinventing them with boldness and creativity.
His visionary approach, combining Mandingue rhythms, urban sounds and electronic colours, has won millions of fans around the world. From African stadiums to European stages to the most prestigious awards, Azaya today embodies the renewal of African world music at the dawn of the 2020s.
Far from resting on its laurels, the "Messie" keeps intact its thirst to explore new musical horizons as evidenced by its latest EP "Gentleman". A resolutely modern record that celebrates the diversity of Azaya's influences and announces a new era for this giant of African music.
An immense artist, a unique voice but above all an unparalleled ambassador of the rich musical culture of Guinea. This is what Azaya is, a shining lighthouse that will forever remain in memory.
